Maureen Astorga had just finished working the ICU night shift and was on her way to meet coworkers for breakfast when she took time to reflect on her journey with MedPro International. A wife and mother of two, she is one of the estimated 500,000 immigrant nurses working in the United States. Reaching her goal to become a U.S. healthcare worker was far from easy, but her drive and determination eventually led to a three-year contract with MedPro International and a chance at fulfilling not only her aspirations but her family’s as well.
Originally from the Philippines, Maureen dreamt of living and working in the US as a child. She pursued a career in nursing, but, as an adult, she believed having a family would hinder any chance she had to reach her U.S. career goals. Inspired by a friend who was already an Explorer, she reached out to MedPro International. “MedPro was and continues to be a great help. They assisted me from day one through the whole process with completing applications and certifications and assisting our whole family’s immigration,” said Maureen. Life in the US would present new opportunities for her and her husband and a better education and future for their children. What seemed impossible became a reality.
Challenging Road
Maureen’s journey began in October 2019, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the world. What started as a clear path to success quickly became a series of obstacles and hurdles. The pandemic drastically slowed the immigration process, with testing centers and government agencies overwhelmed by increased demands and limited resources. Maureen’s challenges were compounded by extended work hours as a frontline healthcare worker, leaving her physically and emotionally exhausted. “I thought, ‘Maybe the American dream is not really meant for me.’”
Despite facing setbacks, Maureen persevered with the unwavering support of her family and MedPro. Finally, in November 2022, her visa was approved, and she realized her American dream in January 2023. The long-awaited journey was undeniably challenging, but fulfilling her goal made every moment worthwhile.
Support Team
Maureen, like every MedPro International Explorer, has access to a team of experts focused on her success. MedProU, the company’s proprietary training and education program, provides professional and English exams to prepare candidates for work in the U.S. healthcare system. Additionally, an Employee Relationship Manager (ERM) is assigned to each Explorer to help them and their family’s transition to their new life in the US. “Ashley is always checking up on me, sending me messages, and offering help when I need it. She’s amazing,” said Maureen.
Community
It has been three years since Maureen signed with MedPro, and recently, she was honored as ICU Employee of the Month at her St. Louis area facility. “The team here is incredibly supportive and hard-working,” Maureen shared. While she honed her ICU skills in the Philippines, she relishes the opportunity to expand her expertise, encounter diverse patient populations, and immerse herself in a new culture. “Interacting with patients from various countries, like Africa, Nigeria, and Mexico, has been a great experience,” she added.
Maureen has also established friendships outside of work. “Sometimes, after our shift, we go to breakfast or play golf or volleyball.” Maureen added that she is part of a strong community of MedPro Explorers and a large Filipino populace living in the city. “We gathered together for a Christmas party and had over 50 people,” said Maureen.
A month after Maureen settled in, she was reunited with her husband, Richard, and their children, Hailey and Kyle. The family quickly embraced their new city, with the kids discovering the joys of local zoos and playgrounds. Plus, they took a recent memorable family vacation to Chicago.
Focus On Your Goals
Maureen’s success story is just beginning to unfold. LA, California, Virginia, New York, and Arizona are on their destination list of places to visit, and once her contract is up, she and her family plan to move to another state, possibly Pennsylvania or North Carolina. The journey wasn’t easy. “It took three years of delays, struggles, and rough roads to get here,” she said. “But it’s worth it. Focus on your goals. It’s worth every challenge.”